Wallace W. Parker

Wallace William Parker III, a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. He died peacefully, with the grace of God, in the presence of his family after a short battle with cancer. He was 60. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and Gold and Bronze medals, having served in Vietnam. He served his country proudly during a time of political turmoil as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. "Wally," as his family called him, was an avid reader and golfer, and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. An instrumentation salesman in the petrochemical industry for more than 25 years, Wally was respected by his peers and associates. He was preceded in death by his father, Wallace William "Bud" Parker II, of Lake Charles. Wally is survived by his loving wife, Anita Cavin Parker, and his son, Paul M. Varnado II and his wife, Lizel Fletes Varnado, all of Baton Rouge. Surviving grandchildren are Lizel Maria Varnado and Katherine Elizabeth Varnado. Wally is also survived by his mother, Patricia Smith Parker, of Monroe; sister, Kerry Ardoin, of Lake Charles; two brothers, Bruce Parker, of Hilltop, Texas, and James T. Parker, of Baton Rouge; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial service was at St. George Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent in the name of Wallace William Parker III to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.